Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu has suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Sea Eagles’ 28-8 loss to the Titans on Friday night at Cbus Super Stadium.
It was a double blow for Olakau’atu, who suffered the injury in the act of reaching out to score a try in the second half, which was initially awarded by the referee, but disallowed by the bunker, with replays showing he in fact dropped the ball.
According to Code Sports, the Sea Eagles gun has avoided surgery in the best possible result for Anthony Seibold after he had scans on the injury.
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The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, but will miss only four games due to Manly’s two byes during that period.
Cooper Cronk pointed out that Olakau’atu appeared to hyper-extend as he reached out to score.
“As he goes to place down the ball, a little bit of hyperextension there,” Cronk said on Fox League.
“Olakau’atu is in a heap of pain.”
Andrew Voss also felt there were worrying signs for the 26-year-old.
“He’s in real trouble,” Voss added.
“This is bad news for Manly. He’s gone.”
Then when it was realised that Olakau’atu had in fact lost the ball and his try was disallowed, it became a double blow for the Sea Eagles.
“This is even more painful! Oh dear,” Voss said.
“Oh dear for Manly. No try and lose the man.
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“That’s a terrible blow for Manly. To not get the try but even bigger is the potential serious injury to Haumole Olakau’atu.”
Jake Duke later confirmed Olakau’atu’s dislocated shoulder.
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“Confirmation from the Sea Eagles guys, a dislocated shoulder for Haumole Olakau’atu, will not return tonight obviously, and set for an extended stint on the sidelines,” Duke said.
It’s a cruel blow for Olakau’atu, who withdrew from the NSW State of Origin squad for game two in Perth to be present for the birth of his child.
